We stopped by for the fresh papaya milk that was highly recom by a friend. It was light & smooth, the natural papaya flavor came through. The fresh water melon smoothie was fantastic: light & refreshing. Fresh green bean smoothie was oh so creamy & rich. Essentially anything on the menu that used "fresh" fruit or beans has been excellent. read more

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Can't find this or its taste anywhere in Northern California. We will gladly travel for this read more

Coffee or Tea? - Order #5, not too sweet not too bland - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Coffee or Tea? has been my favorite "original" milk tea shop since I've come to truly enjoy the beverage. You can never go wrong with the milk tea, taro or honeydew flavor. Their smoothies are a favorite among my keiki. If you bring in your own empty gallon jug, you can purchase a gallon worth of milk tea. It's amazing. They now accept cards, which is extremely helpful because they used to be cash only. The McCully location doesn't offer a stamp card but the Kailua location does. Coffee or Tea?, much like its name, offers coffee beverages which are quite popular as well. They used to have extended hours but I think it has changed since Covid. If you're in the area, give it a try. read more

I've come here several times and service is always exceptional. Workers answer any questions with a smile, and if you take a seat to wait for your drinks, they will hand deliver them to you when they're ready. I highly recommend their espresso shake which is out of this world good. I just wish it came in the super jumbo (largest) size! Although that would probably be terrible for my health... read more

Okay really, you should only be coming here for their milk tea. After going around town and trying other milk tea places, I always find myself coming back. I have a list of favorite milk tea spots, and this one is definitely still #1. Parking can be such a bummer in McCully Shopping Center but if you keep going 'round, you should be able to find a stall. Just be careful of the cars parked next to you, since the stalls are tight. There also is parking underneath the building but that can fill up quickly too. Just PRAY. Such a treat every time I come here! It can get busy but it is worth the wait (in my humble opinion). The milk tea is so perfect - not too creamy and not too much overpowering tea flavor. While I particularly like to customize my sweetness levels, I don't mess with their original recipe. It is quite sweet but not unbearably sweet - just enough to bring out the beautiful flavors. The milk tea that is good is the original and oolong (but I want to try other teas)! I have tried other menu items but I don't remember, so I cannot comment. However, the milk tea was memorable so that's what we should all be getting. Prices are reasonable! Not over $5 and a very good portions! I love getting jumbo and super jumbo for an extra $1.50/$2.00 or something like that (because I can't get enough). Also, the prices include 1 free topping (not their premium toppings), which is good to know! Also, I understand how service may not be the greatest but I have not experienced this "bad service" of the many times I've gone so I can't say it has been bad. In fact, they've been pretty friendly to me from the times I've been there and they haven't gotten our orders wrong, ever so, knock on wood. Like I said, you should really be getting their milk tea... Their milk tea is delicious, amazing, and wonderful. It can get busy so if you come here and must wait, well, it is worth the wait. Don't get discouraged. So good, I already can't wait to get my next one! read more

Coffee or Tea? - Boba for Party Gallon Milk Tea $5 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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AMAZING BOBA!! I ordered the tiger sugar milk tea w/ boba!! Definitely recommend this drink. The tea in itself was delicious and sweet, the boba was made perfectly!! I was out shopping when the pictures on the window caught my attention. I had just had lunch so I wasn't hungry but I just had to get some boba. I'll definitely be returning here again for the best boba in Hawaii!! read more

Coffee or Tea? - Tiger sugar milk tea w/ boba - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Bad customer service. First time ordering a drink and because the worker never explain the difference from shake and a ube tea. I got a tea but wanted the shake They couldn't exchange it I had to buy another one Last time read more

Waipio is the best!!! They make it just how i like it!!! Always great customer service and friendly smile.

Coffee or Tea is one of my top 5 go-to milk tea places. I enjoy their milk teas especially their boba. You can taste the difference between different milk tea places. Their bobas are very chewy - just as I like it! The milk tea is also very tasty as well. I went a few weeks ago to get my sister and myself some drinks and the children a macaroon pack (3 assorted macaroons for about $6. The children enjoyed the macaroons and was curious in what flavors it was... They couldn't figure it out! haha. I forgot their hours of operations during this time, but I believe it opens at 12:00 pm. They accept credit cards after $10 minimum charge or else it's cash only. Parking has been a breeze lately, but with establishments slowly opening, McCully Shopping lot might get a little busy. read more

Can they open on the mainland!? Cannot get this Taiwanese style shaved ice anywhere. We always roll deep and are so surprised how they never get an order wrong and always deliver the best BOBA in town! My go to - double boba, lychee jelly, grass jelly and no extra sugar! It is divine! read more

Due to covid it felt packed inside just because they closed off half of the seating area and the other half is a waiting area with social distance stickers on the floor. I got a Honeydew Melon Milk Tea with Tapioca. They offer 3 sizes. Regular, Jumbo, and Super Jumbo. I went with Jumbo because I was CRAVING boba for a long time. It tastes so amazing My fiancé is sipping off me and he loves it too. Last time I got boba from Coffee or Tea was 3-4 years ago. Always delicious, consistent taste and overall just as great as I remember it. Definitely would recommend Coffee or Tea to anyone who wants yummy boba at a cheap price. Although, don't recommend the Honeydew melon milk tea for those who are looking for authentic honeydew flavor, I admit it tastes artificial but it's honestly so yummy I can't complain read more

Coffee or Tea? - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Came here for the first time. Located in the McCully Shopping Center on the first floor near the only elevator. I'm not really into these drinks so I ordered the honeydew melon milk tea which is what the cashier had recommended as the most popular milk tea drink. I thought it was ok tasting. I mean, it quenched my thirst and all, but maybe because I'm not really into these kind of bubba drinks. It cost less than $5 so it wasn't so bad. The staff are friendly and quick. There are ample seats and the parking lot is shared with a bunch of other establishments. read more

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This place needs a major update/ cleaning ~ dang somebody get a broom and mop. I guess the owners think they are in the 3rd world country. And I know they have money, just cheap. Anyway went in for a basic cup of coffee which was ok. They have a glass shelving area that is quite deceiving! Decided to get a slice of carrot cake. They have an assortment of desserts, but was I disappointed! The carrot cake was hard as rock, was it out on display for several days? Please throw food away if it is old! Later, I spoke to a friend about this, and she said, "oh don't buy any of their desserts, no good". Will never go there again! read more

Super yummy and flavorful boba. Very soft boba balls! Indoor seating available and they also sell some snacks and desserts on the side too. We love their coffee jello with the milk - has caffeine in it too! Friendly staff - and they can answer all your questions about the different drinks there. read more

Located in McCully Shopping Center and established since 1999, I have been coming here for milk tea for as long as I can remember. This is the original place that served boba milk tea before it became trendy. Their milk teas are always perfect and boba fresh and soft. The pudding (custard) that you can get with your milk tea is one of my favorites. My partner likes their taro smoothie as they use real taro, not powder. They always put the right amount of ice, enough to keep it cold but not too much where you don't get much drink. For parties, you can even buy the milk tea by the gallon for $15 (I believe). Parking can be a hassle in McCully Shopping Center depending on the time of day and the stalls are really tight. There is a lower lot but please beware, cars are known to be broken into down there. Don't keep anything in plain sight. Keep it in the trunk and move it before getting to the lot. 7-Eleven has 15 minute parking so just buy something from there and get your milk tea right after. Coffee or Tea is CASH ONLY, so remember your cash or there is an ATM right outside, I believe it's an American Savings, and there might be a FHB ATM in 7-Eleven. There are about 6 tables inside for lounging and talking story while you enjoy your milk tea. Expect the staff to be friendly and courteous, usually Chinese speaking and English as a second language. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Winter melon milk tea with boba - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Located in McCully Shopping Center. When you check into Yelp for the first time, you get 10% off purchase. The business had a 2nd location in Waikiki on Seaside Ave. It is right Hyatt Centric and before Ross Stores. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Recently renewed my addiction to pudding milk tea here after fueling my college days with this stuff. Coffee or Tea is the same as it's always been with a few more locations across the island. They're the OG bubble tea shop in Hawaii--and maybe I'm biased--but their milk tea is still one of my favorites on the island. They provide generally fast and efficient service. Not especially friendly by American standards, but they get the job done and you're never waiting long for your drink. Cash only. Parking can be tight at McCully. Every person in your party must order a drink in order to sit in. read more

Smoothies and teas are good here but you have to deal with lots of Asians who don't know what a line is. I brought my kids and wife here after burial ceremony for my uncle and grandma. I figured they would enjoy a cool drink after spending a couple hours in the sun. I got the strawberry smoothie with boba and my kids got the pineapple yogurt smoothie. My wife got the milk tea with jelly. Everyone liked the drinks. I used the 10% off coupon but only the tea was discounted as smoothies weren't considered drinks. Overall was great stop but little expensive as I paid $20 for 3 drinks. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Strawberry smoothie with boba! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I've been here for 5 + years and they never disappoint me at all!!! Their service is fast and quick, be prepared to get your drink right after you make your order:) they have a good variety of drinks and foods/sweets. Coffee or tea is one of those classic and stick with what they start with kinda business. They kept their words from day one. Coffee or Tea is not your typical milk tea place, they aren't like the other milk tea place in Hawaii. They are unique and delicious. Food/ Drink -10/10 the price are reasonable and affordable. I got the waffle cookies which is new. I never seen them have it before. The cookies are really good there are some mixed flavor in the bag. There are a good hand full of them in the bag and they aren't too heavy. This can be your afternoon sneak. I don't know how long they will have it till so get it while you can!! Customer service-10/10 They are really kind and really friendly. The boss who work there treat other workers like it's a family!!! They are in a fast paced consistently because there's a lot of people keep coming in, one after an other which is wonderful that means they are doing something right for their business. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Jasmine green tea/ waffle cookie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Such good drinks. I tried the mocha drink and it was delicious and so good. Service and ambiance was beautiful

Coffee or Tea used to be one of my favorite places for milk teas. They have good boba and the teas were always good. However, the past few times I went, I've noticed a decrease in quality. The milk teas taste very watered down, like they're trying to save a buck. I've noticed a few other boba places doing this too, and it's a shame. Hopefully they can stop cutting corners and get back to normal. read more

Probably closer to 3.5 stars but we only got 1 drink and didn't get boba. We love avocado shakes and folks recommended, so we tried! There was a sign on the front with the avocado smoothie special. $6.50 for a grande, medium size. We went for it because it also has a scoop of vanilla ice cream! I think that's what ended up bringing down my review. The smoothie tasted too much like ice cream and not enough avocado. The texture was great though, a thicker smoothie, and there was a hint of nuts of some sort. I'd want to go back to try their milk tea! Until next time. read more

My fiancee and I are regulars here. The staff are always polite and efficient, even when they are busy. The drinks and desserts are delicious and the add-ons they offer seem fresh and authentic. They have a surprisingly large menu and they have never been out of anything I asked for. Great service, great food. They don't seem to have reorganized since covid but they are optimizing the extra space to store more ingredients and offer stuff to buy. I highly recommend getting drinks from here to eat with a meal, but they do have a small amount of seating if you want to sit and drink, too. read more

Walked passed for months, and always saw the 'Avacado Shake'. Finally decided to stop in. Great customer service and offer a pretty large menu of drinks. I didn't end up getting what a came for. Got a Honeydew Shake, by surprise, it was absolutely delicious. Perfect balance of sweetness. I will definitely be back. read more

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If you haven't tried this place yet, you don't know what you're missing. The drinks are yummy! My favorite is the peach honey green tea smoothie with tea jelly. This is specially nice on a hot day. The tea jelly is so refreshing! A definite topping recommendation with your drinks! The honey green tea smoothie series is an icy drink that is fruit flavored. Their flavored milk teas are delicious too! read more

I paid close to $7 for a large mango smoothie. I wish checked in before I paid because yelp has a 10% off for checking in! The mango smoothie was good, but the ice wasn't blended well. I could also tell that it was made from mango syrup. I can understand charging $7 if it was made out of real mango fruit but it wasn't. It was overly sweet and their boba wasn't anything that special. I would've gone to Shaka Shaka down the road to get a smoothie made with real fruit for the same price. They also don't take card unless you spend a certain amount. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Mango smoothie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Love their fresh watermelon juice and also their winter melon milk tea with tea jelly! read more

Coffee or Tea? - YESSSSS! Extra large winter melon milk tea with tea jelly - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Me and my boyfriend has been here for a couple times now since we live close by. Bubble tea is okay, food is meh, but the customer service is pretty bad. Here's some example: I ordered a cheese cake and milk tea one day and I realized after I paid that there was a special deal for my combo. I asked about the discount and the worker told me that I'm not deserving of the discount because I "didn't say anything" when I ordered. No apologies or no consideration. It's really not about the money or the discount but it's about them making us feel like it was our fault. I also had lost my wallet before and called the store. They said they didn't have it but I stopped by to double check since I live close by, but when I asked the worker, they got upset that I came back to check. "I told you on the phone, we don't have your wallet!" We are hapa though we look very white. They have been strict to us about moving the seats but I have never seen them saying anything to groups of Asian customers when they are moving seats... We've given this place many chances but they somehow fail to make us feel welcomed every single time. We will not be returning again but hope they will take something from this review and better their service for other guests. Good luck and mahalo. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My favorite milk tea place, hands down. They have the perfect variety, if I want either a milk tea, fruit tea or even coffee.. they have it all AND it's consistently yummy every time. Ive ordered everything from a Vietnamese cold brew, almond milk tea, mango ice tea, so yummy!!!! I've also been ordering their party size milk tea for church events, I get a gallon of regular milk tea with boba, cups and straws for $28 and it's a sell out every time (a gallon can make about 10 cups).. such an awesome deal. The owner there is so nice, she even helped walk me to my car on my last visit. I can always count on them to get my order right and hit the spot :) I've never seen it super busy, it's pretty chill with a few tables to sit. They also have shave ice and snackier items too if you want an extra something. read more

Service goes far in my books and Coffee or Tea consistently misses this mark for me. I've come to this location many times being that I live nearby. I will say that their boba itself is pretty good and if I also enjoy their Taiwanese style shave ice. Food: Lychee granita with boba is one of my favorites because it is blended and so refreshing! I prefer blended boba drinks over iced any day so I tend to get smoothies over milk tea. However, my friends swear that the milk tea here is really great too. If looking for a dessert item, try their Taiwanese shave ice. It comes with a multitude of toppings and has a traditional brown sugar syrup. I like the jellies and tapioca pearls for toppings. They are also good for sharing! Service: Here's where coffee or tea goes totally wrong. On my most recent visit, my friend and I ordered a shave ice to share. We had just had a going away lunch and the remainder of our group was quite full so the they opted not to order dessert. We all sat at a table and were talking story when one of the workers came over and told us that we either had to leave or everyone had to order something. The thing is that the store was quite empty being it was a random weekday. Basically our friends would have to stand outside while we finished our shave ice or we all would have to stand on the side walk area. It just put a damper on our day, which I thought was a bummer. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Their Taiwanese style shave ice is yummy! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I remember I'd always come here to grab a bubble milk tea after eating dinner with my family at Fook Yuen upstairs. In my opinion, the milk tea here is one of the best tasting milk tea in Honolulu. They have a yelp check-in offer for a discount on your drink, which is awesome. My only complaint would be that they don't accept card, so you always have to have cash on you. I've also heard from others that the some of the workers can be rude. I've heard about people getting kicked out for not buying anything or for staying in the seating area for too long. read more

This place went down hill. The blended drink wasn't blended good. Texture is like slurpy. Tea drink has barely any tea flavor. Not good as the old owners. read more

Ordered a jumbo sized assam milk tea for the fun of it and ended up enjoying the flavor. It was pretty good! 50% Sweetness recommended. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Jumbo assam milk tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I have three boba places I normally go to that are always on point and this is one of the three. All others aren't bad, but they're just not my cup of tea ;) I have a regular spot I normally go to now because it's close to where I live, but whenever I'm in the area I make it a point to stop here. The flavors are always consistent, taste is great, and there's a perfect boba to drink ratio read more

Coffee or Tea? - Tiger milk tea w/boba - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Tried their almond milk tea boba and it was deliciousness. The sweet to milk tea to boba ratio is perfect. Will be returning soon.

Located in the same shopping center as Thai Lao. Great selection of bubble teas, shakes and smoothies. I got the black tea with milk/boba. Super fast service - I ordered, and in the time it took for me to get my change and take my receipt, they were already handing me my drink! Would definitely come back if in the area. read more

Coffee or Tea? - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Initially discovered this place in the Pearl Kai Shopping Center in Pearlridge a little more than a week ago. Was I happy to discover this same-named place in town! :) Both locations are my new bubble treat discovery :) I'm not Thai, Vietnamese, or even Taiwanese so I'm really not sure what these drinks and shaved ices are *supposed* to taste like but I do know what I like and this place seems to be one of two bubble places I enjoy most: Tastes are refreshing, contain tapioca bubbles, & use real ingredients (like real fruits/milk/beans/ice cream/etc) :D Their menu consists of many types and shades of drinks, & also shaved ice bowls w/various toppings. When I first walked into their (other) Pearl Kai store a week ago, I was a bit overwhelmed lol so I asked what bubble drink I might try first. Long story short is to simply start out with the more simple flavors like milk tea then add other flavors to your repertoire. Yes, it's been less than 2 weeks and I've already been to these shops a total of 3 times lol! I've been to this location once (nite before last) and passed by it last nite (on my way to another restaurant in the bldg). Both nites I experienced/noticed this place was pretty *rockin'* busy. Nite I was here: Friend & I must have walked in at the perfect time. We were third in line to give us just enough time to quickly look over the menu then make a super quick decision, of course, w/the help of the patient cashier :) - ya know, after us walked in two groups which became four then a fairly long line by the time we finalized our order! :( Yep, we sure rush-hurried! ;) We were looking to order their shaved ice bowls. I ordered w/grass jelly & boba in mind = #3 = boba, grass jelly, azuki beans; my friend had coffee in mind = #2 = coffee ice cream w/coffee tea jelly (& I guess everything else coffee-flavored, so he said); plus he also "needs" a melon bubble drink (jumbo) in case he gets thirsty afterward hehe I guess others love it that much! That done we sought seating. Luckily there were seats still available. Tables are set on an elevated area across the counter as small squares w/seats of mostly 2 + a couple w/4. The ambiance is new, fresh, young, hip, and café-like, and the place seems shiny-black marble, deep wooden brown, with hints of yellow & tan. The employees are younger oriental people furiously working to make everyone's treats :D Friend & I talked for a bit then shortly after & suddenly, an employee brought our HUGE shaved ice bowls plus my friend's melon bubble drink. Yipee! The grass jelly & boba in mine are simply devine and I am wishing there were more of both - of course, there are never enough of those for me hehe ;) Azuki beans add the sweetness; grass jelly mellow it out. My friend's coffee ice cream with tea jelly is coffee everything and he is one happy camper. We finish. My friend enjoys his bubble drink; I walk over to the counter for a cup of H2O. People come and go but there is nearly always a line. I greet a work friend who comes in with his friends after just having had dinner at a pho place down Kapiolani Blvd. Yep, he likes this place, too. -------------- We actually arrived here at 830pm shortly after dinner nearby on town side of Kalakaua Ave. and we closed this place down at 1130pm! During that time, the employees got my friend a cup (large cups btw not teeny tiny ones - yay!); we both used the restroom upstairs (one must hand over either a driver's license or cc in order to gain access to key); the women's restroom did not have enough hand soap so I asked if I could get some and the girl employee offered to let me wash my hands in their sink from where I stood (she raised the faucet head and squirted a bit of soap into my hands then gave me a clean towel to dry off); our water cups were filled a couple times despite us being behind a short pillar where it must be difficult to see our cups (amazing, right?!); & we sat and talked until one of the employees gently and gingerly informed us they were now closed. I only now read (just before writing this review) complaints about the you-need-to-buy-one-bowl-per-person so IDK if it made a difference but perhaps because our bill was $18 (yeah, a bit pricey..) for the two of us for 3 items is reason we got great service. In any case, we were treated well the entire time. We weren't watching everyone around us but we didn't see any unhappy yelling customers, or owner for that matter, only customers coming/going or staying for a bit; one person sat w/a drink while working on her computer then later had a shaved ice bowl when joined by a friend. - 1/2-star for not much bubble/jelly - 1/2-star for kinda high price + 1/2-star for letting us stay ------ + 4.5 stars I'd say.. give it a try :) The reason I like this place so much is the drinks & shaved ices are not made from or purely comprised of sugar flavorings but contain actual, real ingredaments ;) Well... happy bubble eating ...& drinking! ;) Enjoy! :) read more

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I ordered a milk tea with pearls and wondered how they were able to make it in less than a minute. They pre-make their milk tea in large batches. Boo. Their pearls are also too soft and mushy. And I don't know why the table at the end of the counter is always reserved for the staff. This is the only place I know of that actually reserves a table on the floor for their employees. Hello.... read more

Better than meet fresh!!! Shaved ice is so delicious, reminds me of the good stuff you can get in Taiwan. Staff were accommodating and friendly. read more

Coffee or Tea is part of my regular rotation of non-alcoholic places to have a drink with a friend--specifically 1 friend, as seating is limited especially if you go in the evening. Their Milk Tea is always good, and available in gallon size to take home. I used to really like the Green Tea Shake, but they changed the brand of ice cream they use and it's not as good as before. Lately I've been working my way through their list of Honey Green Tea Crushed Ice Drinks--think slushy--which come in flavors like Plum, Lychee, Mango, and Lilikoi. So, so good, especially after a workout or on a hot day! If you go, don't be a noob, the staff are all Taiwanese/Chinese and are trying to be efficient. If they are busy, line up nicely to the right of the cash register, tell them what you want, then size you want, then if you want bubbles (I don't ever get bubbles because then there is less drink, but do what you like). Wait for your drink out of the way or at your (score!) table. They'll call out your drink for you to pick-up. Enjoy! read more

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